Justice

Justice

Transformation Yoga Project provides healing alternatives to the effects of mass incarceration on the individual, communal and systemic levels. Through the lens of Transformative Justice, our trauma sensitive, mindfulness based approach extends to those who are incarcerated, in reentry, in communities disproportionately affected by incarceration, and to those working within the justice system. We envision a world where all people have the opportunity to discover the tools to heal from trauma and to create a positive impact in their communities.

Brianne Murphy teaches trauma sensitive yoga and mindfulness to staff and incarcerated men, women, and juveniles in the criminal justice system. Through a simple demonstration, she talks about the practice of yoga's ability to offer courage, compassion and confidence; empowering people to heal and rediscover the life and freedom within.

yoga for criminal justice & reentry

Throughout the United States, there is a growing recognition of the need for interventions that address the high rates of psychological stress and reduced wellbeing experienced by individuals within the prison system.

Trauma Sensitive Yoga programs for youth and adults

Introduce the application of yoga as a lifestyle, on and beyond the mat

Develop the whole person by increasing self-awareness and self-regulation

Build awareness of mental patterns and how those patterns relate to behavior

Create space for individuals to come back in touch with their bodies, minds, and hearts

WHERE WE SERVE

Baylor Women's Correctional Institution

Carson Valley Children's Aid

Glen Mills School

Institute for Community Justice

Philadelphia Department of Prisons- Full campus (6 facilities)

Philadelphia Federal Detention Center - partner with Heart 2Heart

Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center

Montgomery County Correctional Facility- partner with Hopeworx Community Advocates

Montgomery County Youth Center

Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center

Chester Upland School District- Camelot

Chester County Correctional Facility

Chester county Probation and Parole- WRAPP program

SCI Chester

SCI Graterford

SCI Muncy

Testimonials

From TYP Participants at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Graterford

"The violence of prison is easy. Putting myself through mental warfare is hard. Yoga and meditation has TRANSFORMED me for the better. Yoga helps me think of healthier and more creative ways to think."

"I first got into yoga when I was in punitive custody/solitary confinement otherwise known as The Hole. It was very helpful to me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I felt more comfortable in my own body, mentally clear, alert, at peace and more in tune, or attuned, spiritually. Yoga is giving me a new tool for self-control and self-mastery."

"The mental benefits of yoga are unbelieveable. The yoga path has made me a better person. I am a lot less reactionary- keeping my cool keeps me out of The Hole. The physical benefits have been increased flexibility and strength (it compliments my other workout routines), better digestive health (which is of the utmost importance because both the food and the water here are bad), and I sleep better."

"I have regrets every day I wake up in jail knowing how much harm I did to my friend, family, and neighborhood. I wish I could take it all back. Yoga helps me to slow down my thinking process and see life in a different way. I'm mindful that nothing negative can come from yoga and it feels great."

"I got into yoga as a means to stretch and strengthen my muscles. While I did stretch and strengthen, I began to notice things about myself that I never knew. Now I can try different things to change. Becoming a good person is about realizing the things we are not satisfied with in our character, accepting the circumstances that have contributed to the attitude or behavior and taking small steps to improve."

"Yoga class helps me because it's the one opportunity I get to leave the unit and focus on myself. It's the only class where you allow your body to teach you and to guide you. You get a chance to leave the drama behind at the unit and allow your body to move freely without judgement. It's a class where you get to be yourself. In yoga, you get to make your own decisions. Yoga class is a reflection of life, and you can carry what you learn in yoga outside into the real world."

"Yoga is a way to help free your soul. It helps calm my anxiety, anger, and stress. It helps manage all of this because it works on relaxation, breathing, balance, and flexibility. It helped me find new ways to be comfortable and taught me a coping skill."

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We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN/Tax ID: 46-4589234). Your donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. We are a Gold Level GuideStar participant, demonstrating our commitment to transparency.